-1Chapter Three- Lex

It was a tiresome day. At least the way it started didn't help with his mood for the rest of the day. Lana was getting colder and more bitchy toward him. He needed to do something to get her to warm up, but so far the only thing he had on her was the Talon. If that slipped from his fingers, she would also slip.

He leaned back in his chair and waited for his message to be sent from his computer. His father had just informed him that the court decided to go along with his idea. It would look great for publicity and even better when he ran for office.

Clark Kent, juvenile delinquent. From what he knew from Kent's file, his parents were killed years ago. Clark had been taken to many foster homes but ended up getting kicked out or running away. He wasn't told the whole story, mainly because no one knew the whole story.

His phone rang and he answered, "Hello?"

"Lex, son." Lex knew that voice all too well. Not too long ago it sent shivers down his spine. Even pissed him off to the point of wanting to run his father into the ground. Now all he wanted to do was gain just as much power. To fill the shoes his father was leaving him.

"Dad. So good to hear from you." Lex said. Surprisingly he actually meant the words.

"I have great pleasure to inform you, Clark Kent will be arriving soon." Lionel said.

Lex smiled from behind his desk. Things were falling into place. Now all he needed to do was bribe the boy to be good. "Thank you for the heads up." Lex said.

"Not at all my son. Now remember, don't make him mad. He can cause quite the damage." Lionel said.

"I'll keep that in mind." Lex said. The front door chimed and Lex straightened up in his chair. "Wish I could talk longer, but the boy has arrived."

"Ah yes, good luck." Lionel said.

Lex hung up the phone as the line went dead and his intercom beeped.

"Mr. Luthor. Clark Kent has arrived." His body guards voice rang clear over the speaker.

He smiled and stood. He straightened his suit jacket and pushed the intercom button. "Let him in and show him to the study."

"Yes sir." The voice replied.

Lex waited patently for his guard to show Clark Kent the way. He was a nervous man, but this charity was important to his fame and fortune. Of course if it failed he could bounce back, simply say the boy was beyond help. Unlike his father, he was willing to give it his best.

When the study double doors opened he was shocked to say the least. He expected a scrawny boy but before him stood a broad built, six foot….man. He looked nothing like the delinquent that was described to him. They said he could handle his own, but he didn't think he could actually fight off any attacker on his own. He pictured the boy running away and crying to mommy.

"Clark Kent I presume." Lex said holding his hand out. Clark looked him over, and Lex tried to stand firm and pass his inspection. For some reason he felt the need to pass as a friend to the boy. Perhaps he could offer him a future position as body guard. After all he looked the part and could be a great asset. Of course if he played his cards right this Kent could be manipulated into the position and never know what he was doing.

Clark took his hand and shook it firmly. He didn't speak which surprised Lex. Normally someone who entered his house the first time always had a comment.

"Well then we have a few things to discuss before the grand tour." Lex said nodding to his guard who closed the doors behind him as he left.

Lex offered him a seat as he went to his bar and poured himself a drink. Clark remained standing. Lex knew he was sizing him up, trying to figure him out. He needed to play smart, get on his good side and stay there.

"I have an offer for you Clark. Hopefully it will help you feel welcome." Lex said pouring Clark a drink as well. When he offered the scotch to him he eyed it then looked back up to him. His eyes were the only thing he moved since he shook his hand.

"Very well, on to business." Lex said setting Clark's glass down on the bar and took a sip of his own. "I want you to feel at home. You'll have your own room, equipped with whatever pleases you. I've always wanted a son to spoil." Lex said leaning against the bar hoping to get Clark to relax.

"Now I will supply you with your own ride. I take it, you're not one to have someone drive you. Take a pick out of the garage. Any car you want." He took a sip of his scotch and waited to see if Clark would say anything.

"I prefer a bike." Clark said. Lex was shocked at his input. Considering that he did have an input that meant that Lex had sparked interest within the young lad.

"I have a few, you're pick." Lex said. Clark didn't say anything else so Lex continued with his offer. "I'll send you out with my credit card. Get yourself some clothes and whatever you want for your room."

Clark held tight to his backpack and continued to study Lex. "Alright, but what's the catch?"

Ah, the million dollar question. "Simple, I need your cooperation. Stay out of trouble with the law." Lex said.

Clark took this as the time to negotiate, "I can do that if you take care of curfew."

"Ah yes, I had a feeling you would want to take care of that. Perhaps we can come to an agreement." Lex said. He saw a flicker in Clark eye's and knew he was up for it.

"What do you want?" Clark asked.

"Smallville High has football tryout's for summer practice coming up soon after you start.

Try out, and if you make it, play next season. Not only will it look good for college it'll help pass your time." Lex said.

"You just want me to be a good boy, and look good for you." Clark said. Lex could hear something dark in his voice.

"I suppose that you're right." Lex said, keeping his cool.

"Alright, monkey boy." Clark said.

Lex smiled at his success of winning the boy off. With a nod Lex headed over to his desk and pressed a button on his phone system. The study doors opened and the same guard entered.

"Yes Mr. Luthor?" He asked.

"Sam, please take Mr. Kent here to pick his room on the west wing. Once he's ready, take him to the garage to have his pick." Lex said. "Then Clark if you feel up to it, take the limo and go shopping. Smallville has a few good stores that will accommodate your needs."

Clark nodded and took the platinum card from Lex. Without a word he followed Sam out of the study and down to the west wing. From what he saw, no one occupied the rooms on this wing. It appeared he'd be alone. Something he was grateful for.

Lex smiled in victory as he sat back down behind his desk, his scotch still in his hand. "Welcome home, Clark Kent."